Mulch, is essential and simple!

I was reading a article about how mulch is an essential part of gardening for your home.  The article stated that without mulch in the garden around your home, the garden wouldn't be able to conserve the moisture needed during the hot days of summer.  It futher states that mulch insulates the soil from the sun's rays and keeps the soil cooler.  And finally, mulch is the best way to control weeds.

Okay, but I think there should be some care in where the mulch is placed, how much mulch is used, what type of mulch is best and contaminates that can be in mulch especially over the past couple of years.

Where it is placed:  Mulch should not be mounded up around the trunk of a tree, scrubs or perennials as this can cause rot and decay.  You should also use caution when placing mulch in areas that are suspectible to termites.  Dark cool moist locations provide a great environment for termites.

How much mulch is used: It is recommended that you use 2-4 inches.  Any more than this can cause improper aeration in the soil.

What type of mulch is used: Most landscapers prefer the dark brown colored mulch, but it all depends upon what else you have used for your landscaping.  It is recommended that you don't make the mulch the focal point in your garden and around your home. Allow it to blend into the landscape.  I don't know if you have seen some of the dye colored mulch that has the red or orange tint to it.  But to me, this just doesn't look natural and seems out of place to me.

One point of caution on the type of mulch, be careful of mulch that has come from areas of the country where there have been floods.  This mulch could harbor insects or termites that you really don't want in your landscape or home!

Here's a link to a home and garden information center on mulch that may be helpful.

So there you have it, what do you think?

David L. Britt
Olathe, Kansas
http://www.davidlbritt.com/
http://www.heritage.net
http://heritagerealestateteam.com

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